Former leading New Zealand publisher and bookseller, and widely experienced judge of both the Commonwealth Writers Prize and the Montana New Zealand Book Awards, talks about what he is currently reading, what impresses him and what doesn't, along with chat about the international English language book scene, and links to sites of interest to booklovers.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

FOX
Margaret Wild
Illustrated by Ron Brooks

As a long-time admirer of both Margaret Wild and Ron Brooks, two formidable players on the Australian children's lit scene for many years, I am truly delighted that Allen & Unwin are republishing this magnificent picture book some 10 years after its original publication.

Fox is a picture book in a class of its own, and has won acclaim around the world. A compelling drama about friendship, loyalty, risk and betrayal, it's a story as rich for adults as for children. This handsome hardcover edition with cloth binding celebrates the tenth anniversary of its original publication.

AWARDSFox has won many local and international awards including awards in Germany, Brazil and Japan.
Winner 2004: Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis (Germany's premier children's book award), picture-book category
Winner 2001: Children's Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year.
Winner 2001: Queensland Premier's Literary Awards in the Best Children's Book category.
Winner 2001: NSW Premier's Literary Awards for the Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children's Literature.
Shortlisted 2000: Kate Greenaway Medal (UK).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR& ILLUSTRATOR

Margaret Wild is one of Australia's best-known and best-loved authors for young people. She has published around 50 picture books for young children, and two verse novels for teenagers. Ron Brooks is an acclaimed illustrator of classic picture books, some of which have stayed in print for over 30 years. His John Brown, Rose & the Midnight Cat remians one of my all-time favourites.